2018honda Honda Unveils 2018 CRF450R, CRF450RX

[NoFiddyPilot]

Electric start with lithium-ion battery now standard on both models

TORRANCE, CA - May 15, 2017 - (Motor Sports Newswire) -  Honda revealed today that the CRF450R gets even better for the 2018 model year, with electric starting now standard. Designed following an "Absolute Holeshot" philosophy that resulted in a downdraft-intake layout achieving optimum power and centralized mass, the revolutionary motocross model is the industry's top-selling 450cc motocrosser. The electric starter that was previously offered as an accessory is now standard, as is a lightweight lithium-ion battery, and the CRF450R also gets updated suspension settings aimed at improving chassis feel and overall action.

Today's 2018 model-year announcement also included the updated CRF450RX closed-course off-road bike and returning CRF150R mini motocrosser.

"It's been amazing to see the success of the CRF450R this year, and we're even more excited about this model with the improvements we've made for 2018," said Lee Edmunds, American Honda's Manager of Motorcycle Marketing Communications. "In addition to the obvious convenience, electric starting can save valuable seconds following a mid-moto mistake, and with the use of a lithium-ion battery, we can still achieve an extremely light weight. These changes make the CRF450R more competitive than ever, and of course customers can continue to count on Honda durability, quality, and reliability."

CRF450R
The CRF450R's downdraft air-intake and fuel-injection layout achieves a potent, broad spread of torque, but it also allows for heavier components to be located as centrally and low as possible so that all that power can be effectively utilized. In addition, the vehicle packaging results in nimble cornering, while updated suspension settings to the Showa® shock and 49mm coil-spring fork improve handling. Corresponding with the addition of an electric starter (powered by a lightweight lithium-ion battery), the kick-start lever has been removed in order to shave precious weight. An updated ECU setting means power delivery is more useable than ever, and the big CRF still has great features like a titanium fuel tank, engine-mode select button, and wave-pattern 260mm front brake. Add it all together and you've got a bike that delivers even better on its promise of the "Absolute Holeshot."

• Color: Red
• Price: $9,149
• Availability: July 2017
• Info

CRF450RX
Currently being campaigned in the GNCC series by JCR Honda's Trevor Bollinger, the CRF450RX already came with electric starting, but for 2018 the model gets a weight reduction with the removal of the kick-start lever and the switch to a lighter-weight lithium-ion battery. The model is based closely on the flagship CRF450R but with off-road-focused updates like a larger 2.2-gallon fuel tank, 18-inch rear wheel, side stand, optimized ECU and suspension settings, and more. When it comes to closed-course competition like GNCC, hare scrambles, and Grand Prix racing, the CRF450RX constitutes the ultimate off-road weapon.

• Color: Red
• Price: $9,249
• Availability: August 2017
• Info

[downonmonday]

Oh I may have to sell the 2015?!?!

[Scott Meshey 141]

Glad to see that they went to an electric start, such a lifesaver! If only they would do some much needed updates on the 250... 

Edited May 17, 2017 by Scott Meshey 141

[Cdizzle666]

No kick start, they should keep it on the rx, its nice having a backup if something fails. Hopefully you can still install a kickstart optional, looks like they just plugged the hole and removed the gear.

[LRB]

That's great and all, but where is the CRF250RX?

im blown away that Honda hasn't introduced this bike yet. 

[Smokin CR 125R]

Are you paying attention HONDA... Absolute over priced/ Over weight 4 Stroke JUNK.......Would not own one if you tried to give it to me !

 

BRING BACK THE REAL MX BIKES......BRING BACK THE 2 STROKES...CR 125R, CR 250R and release the beast...THE CR 500 !

 

 

Edited May 17, 2017 by Smokin CR 125R

[William1]

Yeah... the kicker should still be there. A owner can remove the lever if they want. The shaft and gears weigh maybe a Big Mac after the fact. Having a battery for sure makes starting better, whether E or kick.

[MXGuy34]

On 5/16/2017 at 8:08 PM, Scott Meshey 141 said:

Glad to see that they went to an electric start, such a lifesaver! If only they would do some much needed updates on the 250... 

They are coming, CRF250R 2016 and 2017 are the same bike no changes from one year to another. 

17 hours ago, William1 said:

Yeah... the kicker should still be there. A owner can remove the lever if they want. The shaft and gears weigh maybe a Big Mac after the fact. Having a battery for sure makes starting better, whether E or kick.

Yeah, just like the Suzuki RMX 450 E start and kick !! 

[EnglertRacing]

On 5/17/2017 at 2:11 AM, Smokin CR 125R said:

Are you paying attention HONDA. .. Absolute over priced/ Over weight 4 Stroke JUNK.......Would not own one if you tried to give it to me !

 

BRING BACK THE REAL MX BIKES......BRING BACK THE 2 STROKES...CR 125R, CR 250R and release the beast...THE CR 500 !

 

 

you couldn't pay me to ride a 125... slower than my mountain bike.

[bajacaat]

Thinking about buying a 2017crf450rx from a friend. It has approx 40 hours. I had been maintained by Tokyo mods since new. He’s taking it in for a valve check and oil change. It has dual fmf slip on exhaust, pro taper bars and a few other upgrades. He wants 5k. Should I go for it?
My other bike is a 2016 xr650l with a plate.
Need something for off-road use only!!
Any input welcome
Thanks!!

[Evan D]

Yes!

 

12 hours ago, bajacaat said:

Thinking about buying a 2017crf450rx from a friend. It has approx 40 hours. I had been maintained by Tokyo mods since new. He’s taking it in for a valve check and oil change. It has dual fmf slip on exhaust, pro taper bars and a few other upgrades. He wants 5k. Should I go for it?
My other bike is a 2016 xr650l with a plate.
Need something for off-road use only!!
Any input welcome
Thanks!!

[18CRF450RX]

Yes!



 

How does everyone who has the 450Rx like them? Are they good for tight trails or just open trails? I already bought an 18 450RX but curious what the people who actually own them think. Thanks

[18CRF450RX]

How does everyone who has the 450Rx like them? Are they good for tight trails or just open trails? I already bought an 18 450RX but curious what the people who actually own them think. Thanks

Just to add, I bought mine as winter started here and I haven’t had a chance to ride it yet.

[NORTY]

Honda’s on sale this weekend.

No, I don’t work there, nor own the franchise.
Just passing this info to maybe help anyone save some $$$.
(They gotta sale on Husky’s too.)